Orientation: FAQs

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Frequently Asked Questions About Orientation

Don’t see your question listed? Email the friendly staff in the Center for International Students (CIS) at Truman State University at intladmit@truman.edu with any questions or concerns about orientation for international students.

Orientation entails a series of interactive lectures, games and activities designed to provide new international students with all of the information they need to know about attending Truman and living in Kirksville, as well as helping them adjust to their new environment and forge meaningful relationships with other Truman students. In Orientation sessions, we cover a variety of essential information, including how to maintain legal status in the United States, how to adjust to the American classroom and campus, and how to register for classes, as well as explaining health insurance, employment options, money management, communication tools, and much more. Orientation is offered for beginning freshman, transfer students, exchange students and graduate students.

2. What is the orientation fee? What does it cover?

Our Orientation fee is $600. This is a one-time free that you will pay only your first semester, and it covers a lot more than most other American universities. This fee will cover your housing, food, transportation from the La Plata train station and around Kirksville, information sessions, and activities during the entire Orientation process.

3. What documents do I have to bring to Orientation?

At our first Orientation session, we will make copies of all of your immigration documents for our files. The first morning of Orientation, you should bring your I-20/DS-2019, I-94, Visa and Passport. We will return them to you no later than after lunch that same day.

4. Is the English Placement Test required?

All international students are required to take the English Placement test, unless they are from England or Australia. The test is administered during Orientation and is used to decide whether or not a student needs to take English 152: Academic Writing: Non-Native Speakers. This class is a writing course for students whose native language is not English, helping these students meet the demands of writing in an academic setting. Students examine advanced reading strategies, critical thinking, writing conventions of English, and intercultural issues. Vocabulary development and grammar are also integrated into the course. If your English Placement Test results indicate that you must take English 152, then you must take it.

5. What is Truman Transformation?

Truman Transformation is designed to help all first-year students — national and international — adjust to college life at Truman. This program begins prior to the start of the semester and counts for one credit hour toward a student’s degree requirements. Students take part in classes, campus and community tours, a variety of social events, introductions to majors and other activities that introduce them to Truman. Students begin one of their fall semester courses with their college professor during Truman Transformation to provide a supportive environment for the students’ academic transition to Truman. For freshman international students who come to Truman during the fall, Truman Transformation becomes a part of their Orientation, taking place after the formal international Orientation sessions. The Truman Transformation class and credit is only made available to beginning freshmen, but the many social events throughout the week are open to international exchange and transfer students.

6. Will I be able to buy basic supplies (bedding, school supplies, hygiene products, food, etc.) when I arrive in Kirksville?

Yes. During Orientation, we will take several trips to Wal-Mart, a general department store where you will likely buy most of your essentials while at Truman. Wal-Mart offers a great variety of food, clothing, hygiene and beauty supplies, home and office supplies, and much more. Once the semester has begun, Campus Christian Fellowship will provide weekly transportation to Wal-Mart, or students can make arrangements to go to Wal-Mart with friends or Cultural Integration Leaders (CILs). Kirksville also offers many other grocery and general stores and is a short trip from major shopping centers.

7. What resources are available to me as I adjust to life at Truman and in the rural Midwestern United States?

The Center for International Students exists to serve Truman State University’s international student population through a philosophy of empowerment. We will be available throughout your college career to assist with any questions or concerns you may have. Our staff is very knowledgeable of how the classroom and University function, and our workers command a great understanding of the international student experience and international students’ needs. Should you need assistance, we will help you help yourself.

The Center for International Student also provides Cultural Integration Leaders for both on-campus and off-campus students. For on-campus students, this means having an American student living in your residence hall who is available to answer any questions, facilitate the cultural and University adjustment of international students, and create a supportive living and learning environment. CILs are also available to off-campus students, although they will not necessarily be living nearby. Generally, CILs serve to assist international students in adjusting culturally, creating social relationships and attaining academic success.

For on-campus students, CILs are available in addition to the University’s Student Advisors (SAs). The SA provides many of the same services as the CIL, only the SA is available to all on-campus University students, not just international ones. The SA works with and mentors fellow students; creates social and educational programming opportunities; and promotes community, scholarship, diversity and service among her/his residents.